U.S. patent number 5,593,402 [Application Number 08/338,417] was granted by the patent office on 1997-01-14 for laparoscopic device having a detachable distal tip.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Biosearch Medical Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Algird Patrick.
United States Patent |
5,593,402 |
Patrick |
January 14, 1997 |
Laparoscopic device having a detachable distal tip
Abstract
A laparoscopic device allowing for the quick attachment and
removal of interchangeable, detachable distal tips on its distal
end. The device includes concentrically-arranged inner and outer
cannulae having distal ends which are dimensioned to simultaneously
cooperate with the detachable distal tip whereby the tip may be
selectively locked against rotational and axial motion. The tips
may include a variety of surgical tools which are preferably
disposable, while the remainder of the device is easily
disassembled for sterilization and cleaning.
Inventors: |
Patrick; Algird (Franklin Park,
NJ) |
Assignee: |
Biosearch Medical Products Inc.
(Somerville, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
23324742 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/338,417 |
Filed: |
November 14, 1994 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/1; 604/902;
606/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/29 (20130101); A61B 17/0218 (20130101); A61B
18/14 (20130101); A61B 2017/00473 (20130101); A61B
2017/0474 (20130101); A61B 2017/2931 (20130101); A61B
2017/2946 (20130101); A61B 2017/320044 (20130101); A61B
2217/005 (20130101); A61B 2217/007 (20130101); A61M
3/0279 (20130101); Y10S 604/902 (20130101); A61B
2090/0813 (20160201) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/28 (20060101); A61B 17/32 (20060101); A61B
18/14 (20060101); A61B 19/00 (20060101); A61B
17/04 (20060101); A61M 1/00 (20060101); A61B
17/00 (20060101); A61M 3/00 (20060101); A61B
17/02 (20060101); A61M 3/02 (20060101); A61B
019/00 (); A61B 017/28 () |
Field of
Search: |
;606/1,110,113,127,151,213,205-211,167,170-180 ;128/749-754
;604/902 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Mectra Labs, Inc., Advertisment for "The Nibbler," undated, one
page. .
American Hydro-Surgical Instruments, Advertisement for "Trumpet
Valve with SmokEvac," undated, one page. .
Innovative Surgical, Inc., Advertisement for Laparoscopic
Instruments, undated, one page. .
Karl Storz Endoscopy Advertisment for Take-apart Instruments,
undated, one page. .
Mediflex Surgical Products, Advertisement for Laparoscopic Devices
& Instruments, undated, one page. .
Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments Corporation,
Advertisement for High Quality Endoscopic Instruments, undated, one
page..
|
Primary Examiner: Dawson; Glenn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hoffmann & Baron
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A laparoscopic device comprising:
an inner cannula having an inner distal end and an inner operative
end;
a detachable distal tip having a tip locking device thereon;
an outer cannula having an outer distal end and an outer operative
end, said outer cannula dimensioned for insertion of said inner
cannula therein and for free rotation therebetween, said inner
cannula positioned inside said outer cannula, said distal ends
including first and second end locking apparatus on said inner and
outer distal ends respectively, said first and second end locking
apparatus configured and dimensioned to simultaneously cooperate
with said tip locking device of said detachable distal tip upon
rotation between said inner distal end and said outer distal end,
whereby said detachable distal tip may be selectively locked,
relative to said distal ends, against rotational and axial
movement; and
a mechanism operatively associated with said inner and outer
cannulae for providing selective axial locking between said
cannulae;
wherein:
said tip locking device of said detachable distal tip includes an
insertion end of said tip having a rotational locking member and
axial locking means thereon;
said first end locking apparatus includes a slot dimensioned to
receive said rotational locking member thereby providing rotational
fixity between said detachable distal tip and said distal ends;
and
said second end locking apparatus includes a locking lug
dimensioned to engage said axial locking means thereby providing
translational fixity between said detachable distal tip and said
distal ends.
2. The device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
said inner cannula is provided with a bore and has an inside
diameter, an outside diameter, and a wall thickness;
said outer cannula is provided with a bore and has an inside
diameter and an outside diameter;
said detachable distal tip includes a shoulder adjacent said
insertion end;
said insertion end has a length and an outside surface with a
diameter equal to said inner cannula inside diameter;
said rotational locking member is located on said outside surface
of said insertion end and is spaced from said shoulder a
predetermined amount defining a lug receiving groove sized to
receive said lug.
3. The device in accordance with claim 2, wherein:
said mechanism operatively associated with said inner and outer
cannulae provides selective rotational locking between said
cannulae;
said first end locking apparatus includes a pair of said slots
spaced 180 degrees apart;
said second end locking apparatus includes a pair of said lugs
spaced 180 degrees apart;
said detachable distal tip includes a pair of said rotational
locking members spaced 180 degrees apart; and
said cannulae lock in a locked position corresponding to a
predetermined relative rotation between said cannulae.
4. The device in accordance with claim 2, wherein:
said mechanism operatively associated with said inner and outer
cannulae provides selective rotational locking between said
cannulae;
said first end locking apparatus includes three of said slots
spaced 120 degrees apart;
said second end locking apparatus includes three of said lugs
spaced 120 degrees apart;
said detachable distal tip includes three of said rotational
locking members spaced 120 degrees apart; and
said cannulae lock in a locked position corresponding to a
predetermined relative rotation between said cannulae.
5. The device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said detachable
distal tip is a laparoscopic operating tool.
6. The device in accordance with claim 5, wherein said tool is
non-articulated.
7. The device in accordance with claim 5, wherein said tool is
articulated relative to said outer distal end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to laparoscopic surgical
devices, and, more particularly, to laparoscopic surgical devices
having detachable distal tips.
In recent years, the popularity of laparoscopic surgical procedures
has increased dramatically. Laparoscopy is the treatment and
examination of interior organs through use of a laparoscope, an
instrument which can be introduced surgically through, for example,
the abdominal wall to examine the intra-abdominal organs. Unlike
conventional surgical procedures, only a small incision with
minimal resulting trauma to the surrounding tissue is required
during laparoscopic surgery.
In a typical laparoscopic procedure, a viewing device as well as a
variety of surgical instruments may be employed. The latter might
include cutting instruments, lasers, grippers, dissectors,
suction/irrigation devices, monopolar or bipolar electro-surgical
devices, or the like. Frequent changing of instruments is
required.
The majority of currently available laparoscopic surgical devices
include permanently fixed tips. Such devices require a surgeon to
maintain a plurality of tools in the operating room during a
procedure. As a result, the tools which are not currently in use
must be carefully handled and/or temporarily stored to insure
sterility. Moreover, certain instruments, such as cutting tools,
can be worn down during use. In these cases, a surgeon must discard
the deteriorated laparoscopic device in exchange for a new
device.
There are a limited number of currently available laparoscopic
surgical devices which include detachable tips. However, these
devices suffer from a variety of disadvantages. In the case of
screw-on attachments, difficulties arise in sterilizing female
threads and with lack of verifiability of locking. Other devices
employ intricate mechanisms which are expensive to manufacture and
difficult to sterilize. Some require an external tool to lock and
unlock the detachable tip. Still others do not have positive means
to lock the tip in place or to indicate to the user whether or not
the tip is locked securely.
There is, therefore, a need in the prior art for a laparoscopic
device which allows for the quick attachment and removal of
interchangeable, detachable tips on its distal end, while providing
visual confirmation that the tip is securely locked.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, which addresses the needs of the prior art,
provides a laparoscopic device having a detachable distal tip. The
device includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula. The inner
cannula has an inner distal end and an inner operative end, and the
outer cannula has an outer distal end and an outer operative end.
The outer cannula also has an axial bore sufficiently large to
permit insertion of the inner cannula. The axial bore of the outer
cannula further permits rotational and axial movement between the
inner cannula and the outer cannula. The distal ends of the
cannulae are dimensioned to simultaneously cooperate with the
detachable distal tip upon rotation of the cannulae to selectively
lock and unlock the tip.
In a preferred embodiment, the operative ends of the cannulae are
dimensioned to provide assembly and cooperative movement
therebetween. Preferably, the lengths of the cannulae are
substantially coextensive with one another, to facilitate
cooperative action therebetween. The inner cannula includes one or
more slots, preferably two equally spaced, while the tip includes
one or more flutes, preferably two equally spaced, which engage the
slots of the inner cannula to provide rotational fixity
therebetween. The tip also includes axial locking means, preferably
a groove defined by a shoulder included on the tip and the ends of
the flutes. The outer cannula includes lugs which, in an unlocked
position, permit insertion and removal of the tip, and in a locked
position, engage the axial locking means to prevent axial
translation between the tip and the cannulae. Transition between
the locked and the unlocked position is achieved by relative
rotation of the cannulae. The operative ends of the cannulae
cooperate through a locking and indexing mechanism having first and
second handles. One handle is provided with a locking member and
the other is provided with a locking member engagement recess. The
locking member and engagement recess lock the cannulae against
translation, but permit an indexed rotation between the cannulae
between a first position where the detachable tip is locked at the
distal ends and a second position where the detachable tip is
unlocked at the distal ends.
The invention may be adapted to employ an articulation shaft for
the actuation of articulated operating tools on the distal tip. The
invention may be further adapted to incorporate electrical contacts
at the distal end suitable for monopolar or bipolar electrosurgical
tips.
As a result, the present invention provides a laparoscopic device
which allows for the quick attachment and removal of
interchangeable, detachable distal tips on its distal end. The
present invention also provides a laparoscopic device which allows
for visual confirmation that the detachable tip is locked in
position. The present invention further provides a laparoscopic
device which allows for rapid disassembly for total sterilization.
The cannulae are separable and the detachable distal tips may
advantageously be made disposable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laparoscopic device in accordance
with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the distal end
of the laparoscopic device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the distal end in an unlocked
condition;
FIG. 3a is an enlarged detail of FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the distal end in a locked
condition;
FIG. 4a is an enlarged detail of FIG. 4;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the detachable distal tip taken along
line 5--5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an end view of the detachable distal tip of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, exploded, partial cut away perspective view
of the operative end of the laparoscopic device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention which incorporates an articulation shaft.
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing another alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the detachable distal tip of the
alternative embodiment of FIG. 10 taken along line 11--11 of FIG.
10; and
FIG. 12 is an end view of the detachable distal tip of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an assembled laparoscopic
device 10. The assembly includes a detachable distal tip 12, an
outer cannula 14, and an inner cannula 16 (as best shown in FIG.
2). The outer cannula has an outer distal end 18, and an outer
operative end 20. The inner cannula has an inner distal end 22 (as
shown in FIG. 2) and an inner operative end 23 (as shown in FIG.
7). The inner and outer cannulae are capable of relative axial and
rotational movement. The inner cannula and outer cannula can be
locked against relative movement by any appropriate means. Such
means can include an indexing mechanism 24 positioned at the
operative end. The cannulae are preferably made of surgical
stainless steel, although materials such as titanium and plastic
are also contemplated.
FIG. 2 shows the outer distal end 18 of the outer cannula 14 and
the inner distal end 22 of the inner cannula 16. The outer cannula
has an inside diameter suitably sized to permit insertion of the
inner cannula into the outer cannula and to further permit free
rotation between the inner and outer cannulae. The inner cannula is
preferably hollow to allow internal access to the tool positioned
at the distal end. Of course, embodiments of the invention wherein
the inner cannula comprises instead a solid member are also
contemplated. The inner distal end preferably has a wall thickness
t.sub.1 and an inside diameter d.sub.1.
Tip 12 is releasably attached to the distal end of device 10 and
may be selectively locked against axial and rotational movement.
Particularly, the distal ends of the cannulae are configured and
dimensioned to simultaneously cooperate with the tip, thereby
securing the tip and locking it against movement, upon rotation of
the cannulae.
In one preferred embodiment, the outer distal end 18 includes one
or more locking lugs 26 which secure the tip against axial movement
when device 10 is in the locked position. Preferably two lugs are
provided, which are spaced about 180 degrees apart and have a width
w.sub.l equal to about 1/2 of the inside diameter d.sub.2 of the
outer cannula. The locking lugs project inward towards the center
of the outer cannula a distance t.sub.2 preferably equal to the
wall thickness t.sub.1 of the inner cannula and are dimensioned to
releasably engage the detachable distal tip.
In this preferred embodiment, the inner distal end includes one or
more slots 28, preferably two, sized to receive rotational locking
members, e.g., flutes 36, positioned on the detachable distal tip.
The slots include slot walls 30 and are spaced about 180 degrees
apart in the preferred embodiment. The slots have a width w.sub.2
equal to about 1/2 of the inside diameter of the outer cannula, and
a suitable predetermined length 1.sub.1.
The detachable tip 12 includes an insertion end 32. The insertion
end has an outside diameter d.sub.3 (as shown in FIG. 6)
substantially equal to the inside diameter of the inner cannula, to
permit the insertion end to be inserted freely into the inner
cannula and securely supported thereby. The insertion end has a
length approximately equal to the length of the slots in the inner
distal end. As mentioned, the insertion end is provided with one or
more flutes 36. Preferably, two flutes are provided. The flutes
extend outwardly from the insertion end so as to be substantially
equal to the inside diameter of the outer cannula.
The width w.sub.3 of the flutes (as shown in FIG. 6) is
substantially equal to that of the slots in the inner distal end
and the length of the flutes is selected for full insertion into
the slots. The detachable distal tip further includes shoulder 37
which is dimensioned to abut distal end 18 of the outer cannula
when the tip is fully inserted therein. The length of the flutes 36
is less than the length of the insertion end 32, thereby providing
a lug receiving groove 38 between the flutes and shoulder 37.
Of course, other arrangements whereby the distal ends of the
cannulae cooperate to selectively lock the detachable tip against
rotational and axial movement are also contemplated.
Referring to FIG. 2, when the inner cannula and outer cannula are
in a first, unlocked position, the detachable distal tip can be
inserted into the inside diameter of the inner distal end by
aligning the flutes 36 with the slots 28 of the inner distal
end.
FIGS. 3 and 3a show the insertion end 32 of the detachable distal
tip 12 engaged with the inner distal end 22, but in an unlocked
condition. Lug receiving groove 38 is also shown. By rotating the
outer distal end and the inner distal end with respect to each
other, the detachable distal tip is locked in place. In the
preferred embodiment, the amount of rotation is 90.degree.,
corresponding to two each of lugs 26, slots 28, and flutes 36.
Other amounts of rotation are possible, depending, for example, on
the number of lugs, slots, and flutes. For three each of these
items, about 60.degree. of rotation is employed; for four each,
about 45.degree..
FIGS. 4 and 4a show the detachable distal tip 12 in a locked
condition. The 90.degree. relative rotation causes the locking lugs
26 to move through the lug receiving groove 38 (in FIG. 3) and
engage the flutes 36. The engagement between the locking lugs and
the flutes provides axial fixity between the detachable distal tip
and the inner and outer distal ends. The engagement of the flutes
36 against the walls 30 of the slots 28 in the inner distal end, as
shown in FIG. 2, provides rotational fixity between the detachable
distal tip and the inner and outer distal ends.
As shown in FIG. 5, lug receiving groove 38 is formed between the
ends of the flutes 36 and shoulder 37. The locking lugs, as shown
in FIG. 2, can rotate freely within this groove.
The detachable distal tip can be formed integral with an operating
tool, or for example, can be an assembly comprising an adapter 40
and an operating tool 42, as shown in FIG. 5. The operating tool
can be, for example, a suction cannula, an irrigation cannula, a
blunt dissector, a suction Kittner, an irrigation Kittner, an
electrosurgical device, a retractor, a sponge stick, or a knot
pusher. Articulated operating tools such as grabbers, scissors, and
forceps can also be employed by adding an articulation shaft to the
device, as discussed below. Monopolar or bipolar electrosurgical
tips can be accommodated by providing contacts in the distal ends
of the cannulae. Because rotational orientation of the tip relative
to the cannulae is controllable in the present invention, bipolar
devices can be employed. Preferred materials for the tips will vary
depending on their use. For example, suction devices may be
advantageously made of plastic, while articulated operating tools
may be advantageously made of stainless steel. As shown in FIGS.
10-12, wherein like components have received the same reference
numbers as for the first embodiment, incremented by 100, in an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, three slots 228
may be formed in inner distal end 222, three locking lugs 226 may
be formed in outer distal end 218, and three flutes 236 may be
formed on detachable distal tip 212 of device 210. As noted above,
about 60.degree. of rotation between the cannulae 214, 216 is
employed to lock the tip 212 of this embodiment in place.
The locking and indexing mechanism 24 is shown in detail in FIG. 7.
The mechanism includes a first handle 50 which is fastened to the
inner cannula 16. A second handle 52 is fastened to the outer
cannula 14. Handles 50, 52 may be made of a plastic such as acetal,
ABS, or liquid crystal polymer, or of a metal such as titanium or
stainless steel. The inner cannula is inserted within the outer
cannula. A locking member such as locking lever 54 is mounted to
one of the handles, preferably to the second handle 52, and pivots
about pin 56. The first handle preferably includes a protruding
neck 60 and the second handle preferably includes an end 58
provided with a bore which is dimensioned to receive protruding
neck 60. Locking lever 54 has an actuating end 62 and a locking end
64. A locking ball 66 projects inwards from the locking end of the
locking lever. A resilient member 82, as shown in FIG. 8, biases
the ball towards the bore of end 58. A button 68 for finger
actuation is provided at the actuating end of the locking
lever.
Protruding neck 60 has a locking member engagement recess,
preferably comprising both a tapered portion 70, and an immediately
adjacent circumferential groove 72. As the first handle 50 is
inserted into the second handle 52, the ball 66 is engaged by the
tapered portion and is cammed up the tapered portion 70 and snapped
into groove 72 thereby locking the first and second handles against
axial translation. The groove 72 has a first end 74 and second end
76 each provided with a ball detent 78. While the ball engaged in
the groove 72 prevents axial translation, rotation between the
cannulae is possible over a range equal to the angle subtended by
the circumferential groove 72. At either end of the rotation, the
ball engages the ball detents 78 providing an index between an
unlocked position and a locked position. At a first, unlocked
position, corresponding to ball 66 in detent 78 at end 74, the
cannulae can be oriented to accept a distal tip. At a second,
locked position, corresponding to ball 66 in detent 78 at end 76,
the distal tip can be locked in place. Visual alignment marks 80 on
the first and second handles verify tip locking.
The handles 50, 52 are preferably configured with surface relief
which indicates when the tip is locked, as well. For example,
surfaces 90 and 91 found on handles 50 and 52, respectively, create
irregular cross-sections 92 and 93, respectively, which are
congruent when the device is in the locked position.
As shown in FIG. 8, first handle 50 is fastened to inner cannula
16, while second handle 52 is fastened to outer cannula 14. As
described above, locking lever 54 has locking ball 66, locking end
64, button 68, and actuating end 62. Resilient member 82 can be,
for example, a torsional coil spring which biases the locking lever
54. Ball 66 is biased into ball detent 78, thereby locking handles
50, 52 against translation and indexing the handles for relative
rotation. Locking lever 54 pivots on pin 56. End 58 with bore of
second handle 52 accepts protruding neck 60 of first handle 50.
Locking ball 66 is cammed over tapered portion 70 during assembly.
First handle 50 can be dimensioned to interface with, for example,
a suction/irrigation valve 84.
FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
i.e., laparoscopic device 110 which includes an articulation shaft
186 to actuate an articulated operating tool 188. The articulation
shaft is preferably reusable and may be mounted within inner
cannula 116, preferably by suitable linear bearing means (not
shown). The shaft has a distal end 190 that engages articulated
operating tool interface member 192 upon insertion of the tool into
the distal ends of the cannulae. Any suitable means of
semi-permanent engagement, such as a ball lock, may be employed.
The articulation shaft 186 has a proximal end 194 that is pivotally
attached to a movable grip 196. When movable grip 196 is squeezed
towards fixed grip 198, shaft 186 retracts interface member 192 to
articulate tool 188.
While there have been described what are presently believed to be
the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the
art will realize that various changes and modifications may be made
to the invention without departing from the spirit of the
invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and
modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *